Mathilda Brayton

MATHILDA ANN “Tillie” BRAYTON April 3, 1923 – April 23, 2017                   Mathilda Ann “Tillie” Brayton, age 94, of Park Rapids, MN, peacefully slipped into eternal glory on Sunday morning, April 23, 2017 at the Care Age Country Home near Park Rapids.                 Tillie was born on April 3, 1923 in Waterloo, Iowa.  As a young child she moved to Northern MN and lived with the Ann Traun family for many years near Two Inlets.  At the time of Ann’s death, in the early 1960’s, Tillie went to live with Lena Long where she lived happily until the time of Lena’s death in 1981.  She was then adopted into the home of Lena’s daughter and son-in-law, Margaret and Richard Gartner where she resided until 2011 when her failing health compelled her to move into the Care Age Country Home where she has lived until the present time.                 Inspite of Tillie’s disabilities, she possessed a sweet and tender spirit and will be long remembered for her generous smile and infectious laughter.  She had a deep and abiding love for all animals; but especially her kitties, dogs, chickens, baby calves, baby pigs and donkeys.   Tillie was at her best when she was around small children who she loved to help care for. She also loved being outside working in the garden.  She was very much a part of the Long and Gartner families and was taken everywhere with them. She enjoyed being part of the Two Inlets/Park Rapids communities.  Tillie was a charter member of the Arago Friendly Home Makers Club, was a long time member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Two Inlets and later St. Peter The Apostle Catholic Church in Park Rapids.                 She will be lovingly remembered by the Long and Gartner families and her many friends and neighbors.                 Tillie was preceded in death by her care givers: Ann Traun, Lena Long, Richard and Margaret Gartner.                 Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 2 PM Tuesday, May 2nd, 2017 at St. Peter The Apostle Catholic Church in Park Rapids with Father Thomas Friedl officiating.  Annette Haas will lead the mass music.  Her casket bearers will be: Kenny Gartner, Linda Long, Linda Gartner Pihlaja, Jim and Jeannie Koepsell and Shawn Mahowald.  Interment will be made in the St. Mary Catholic Church Cemetery of Two Inlets.  A light lunch will be held following the service. Visitation will be held beginning two hours prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.  To leave on line condolences please visit www.jonespearson.com